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Feed the Body and the Soul in Sedona, Arizona (travel article)

Sedona inspires and energizes everyone who comes to visit. Whether you’re visiting for creative stimulation or physical exertion, you’ll find your adventure in Sedona, but you can’t do it on an empty stomach.
These 16 restaurants will delight your taste buds since each has its own flair on multicultural flavors from the region. From ethnic fare, to American, to casual dining and fine dining to eating inside to alfresco, Sedona offers limitless options to satisfy your cravings.
Flavors From Many Cultures…

SOUTHWEST CUISINE

You can’t visit the Southwest without getting a taste of Mexico.
Oaxaca Restaurant & Rooftop Cantina
For more than 40 years, 
Oaxaca Restaurant & Rooftop Cantina has been preparing a healthy, made-from-scratch Sonoran menu (the Mexican food most Americans recognize, made with the hearty simplicity of grilled meats and savory sauces) with old-world Mexico charm in its establishment located in Uptown Sedona.  An ordained tequileria, sip a shot from its extensive tequila collection on the patio of the rooftop cantina while getting panoramic views of Sedona.
Elote Café
Influenced by his immersive travels in Mexico cities like Veracruz, Oaxaca and Puebla, chef Jeff Smedstad created gourmet Mexican-style cuisine from local ingredients at his award-winning and nationally recognized restaurant Elote Café. The modern décor complements the bold, updated flavors in a casual setting—either indoor or outdoor. Dine alfresco while you enjoy views of Sedona’s enchanting cliffs.
89Agave
Another dynamic locale known for its organic, handcrafted margaritas is 
89Agave. This restaurant serves Sonoran-style Mexican dishes cooked with the freshest ingredients and presented with flair. Enjoy lunch, dinner or happy hour on its vibrant patio to experience the vitality of Sedona’s culture.
Los Rosales
When you taste chef Antonio’s traditional northern Mexico family recipes at 
Los Rosales, you might decide to become part of the family. And when the mariachis serenade you while you enjoy tasty chile relleno, it’s like being transported to his hometown. If traditional Mexican food that’s spicy and cheesy isn’t your flavor, the grilled burgers are always a great second choice.

ITALIAN CUISINE

Many similarities exist in Mexican and Italian cultures—from their flags to their passion for food.
Gerardo’s Italian Kitchen
At 
Gerardo’s Italian Kitchen love and passion are the key ingredients, and it shows. Using imported Italian flour and herbs from his garden, chef Gerardo Moceri creates dishes obtained from his culinary studies from around the world including Italy, Hawaii, Switzerland, Paris, Texas and New York.
Pisa Lisa
Although Lisa Dahl learned the art of crust making in Napa rather than Naples, her light and airy crust at 
Pisa Lisa is just as good, if not better, than any pizza you can find in Italy. The casual, hip atmosphere is the perfect setting to enjoy the innovative pizza selection, panini combinations, organic and locally sourced salads, creamy gelato and other desserts.  
Pago’s Pizzeria & Italian Cuisine
Chef Pago of
 Pago’s Pizzeria & Italian Cuisine in the village of Oak Creek has been serving authentic, prepared to order old-world Italian food from family recipes since 1992. The relaxed traditional setting, prepared dishes and friendly service will make you feel like familia. So, come hungry because Italian relatives live to feed you.
Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen
Voted best gluten-free restaurant by the Phoenix New Times, Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen lets you indulge and still feel good about it. Whether you’re gluten-free, lactose intolerant or have other food sensitivities and allergies, Picazzo’s has you covered. And if you don’t have any dietary restrictions, you’ll enjoy the healthiest ingredients including organic, non-GMO, and nitrate-, rBST-, antibiotic- and hormone-free products.

ASIAN CUISINE

Continue the flavor adventure and try some Asian delicacies.
Thai Palace Uptown
Thai Palace Uptown’s quaint and tranquil setting right off Sedona’s main street offers respite from a busy day, and its traditional Thai food made from the freshest ingredients will comfort any soul.
Szechuan Restaurant & Martini Bar
Liven up your flavor adventure with a swanky martini at 
Szechuan Restaurant & Martini Bar. Pair it with sushi or traditional Chinese food. Choose from dine in or takeout or order delivery beginning at 5 p.m.
Hiro’s Sushi and Japanese Kitchen
In West Sedona, saddle up at the bar—the sushi bar that is—with Hiro and his son Cham at 
Hiro’s Sushi and Japanese Kitchen. This father and son duo is dedicated to preparing quality Japanese fare with friendly, personalized service.

WHAT’S TRENDING…

Take a bite at these modern restaurants to see what’s new and trendy in Sedona.
Oak Creek Brewery & Grill
Craft beers are all the rage, and 
Oak Creek Brewery & Grill in Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Villageserves frothy concoctions inspired by braumeister Fred Kraus’ apprenticeship in a Bavarian medieval village. Fred and his wife, Rita, have been brewing in Sedona since 1993 and serving scrumptious, wide-ranging American-grill grub from their exhibition kitchen since 2001.
Café Paleo Brio
Indicative from the healthy and locally sourced ingredients demanded by many chefs in the aforementioned eateries, there’s a growing trend toward mindful meals. As revealed in its name, 
Café Paleo Brio borrows from the earliest diets of mankind to offer an array of wholesome options made from local ingredients from breakfast through dinner. However, based on his tasty creations, chef Kevin Roberts (a top-10 finalist on “Food Network Star”) has evolved well beyond the ancient roots of his food philosophy. The restaurant will also offer pre-planned meals soon.
SaltRock Southwest Kitchen
SaltRock Southwest Kitchen’s executive chef Robert Hoffman left the urban excitement of Chicago for his love of Sedona’s great outdoors and brought with him extensive training from the windy city’s best restaurants. This upscale yet casual restaurant located at Amara Resort & Spa gives a seasonal California slant to traditional Southeastern cuisine. Enjoy the sunset on the relaxing patio nestled beneath red cliffs, then settle in for a delightful dinner. Breakfast and lunch are also served or tap into Hoffman’s grab-n-go menu to fuel your outdoor excursions.
The Hudson
After a day of hiking, sightseeing, traveling or strolling the galleries, it’s hard to beat the comforts of good ole American fare. At 
The Hudson, chef Jeff Storcz adds a helping, or more, of sophistication to the menu. With the hip, industrial-chic atmosphere paired with the amazing views, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the food.
Cress on Oak Creek
For a special dining experience in a one-of-a-kind setting, 
Cress on Oak Creek at L’Auberge de Sedona fits the bill. Inspired by its natural surroundings with most meals served alongside Oak Creek’s waters, Cress is truly a culinary destination. The prix fixe offers selections for a three-, four- or six-course meal with ingredients personally hand-picked from local growers. Reservations are recommended.
Remember, a happy traveler is not a hungry traveler. So use the VisitSedona.com trip planner to include these and other restaurants on your itinerary.

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